Get a Finn! Accurate as can be, rare, NOT cheap, but a keeper.
The 91/30 was a Soviet weapon. The Finnish during the Winter War (when USSR invaded Finland in November of 1939) captured 28,000 of these rifles. During the Continuation War (June 25, 1941-September 5, 1944), the quantity of rifles grew immensely. Finnish factories assembled 10,000 rifles as late as the 1960’s. These were in Finnish inventory as late as 1988.

Finn 39's are Russo-Finn War captures mostly, are Arsenal rebuilt, re-barreled with Sako or ValMet Barrels, rebuilt stock and fore-end and are a much handier rifle to use and carry. Kept for civil guard use, many appear here to be un-used.

I've been eyeing the Mosin-Nagant series... they're cheap and built very well so I've heard. I have narrowed my choices down to the M44 and the 91/30. I'm leaning towards the 91/30 with the Russian PU scope. I have heard many mixed arguments between the two rifles, such as the 91/30 is crudely made or the M44 isn't as accurate.

I'd like the bottom line on the cream of the crop as far as the Mosin-Nagant series is concerned. I'll be using the rifle at the range for recreation. Does anyone have a favorite they can suggest?

spend the money and get a finn.
pete

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life member DAV.
"If the wings are traveling faster than the fuselage, it's probably a helicopter -- and therefore, unsafe."

Even with the much-vaunted Finn, one MUST check the bore! Mine is what I call the "Prom Queen with bad teeth"..... Gorgeous wood, good finish, a beautiful rifle - but the bore is heavily pitted especially near the muzzle end!
Shoots groups, like a shotgun.....
It does do better with the heavy 203 grain SP hunting loads though - my Finn baby likes her bonbons with 'high calories'........

I say get a Finn. Mostly because I'm of Finnish heritage and they are supposted to be more accurate. Plus, they've been made famous by Simo Häyhä. I wish I could pick one up. Haven't been able to find one in person. Only way to buy.

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"Centralized power is not rendered harmless by the good intentions of those who create it." - Milton Friedman

Well if you buy a Finn your chances of it being a great shooter are much better than buying a Russian version. I do have some excellent shooting Russians but I had to go through a lot of rifles to get them. I don't remember buying a bad shooting Finn and I've bought quite a few. A Finn VKT M39 is about the most reasonable Finn you can buy. They can be had in the $250.00 range. And speaking of Simo Häyhä (White Death). If you haven't read his story it's a must read. It's very interesting.